2024 - 2025 Schedule of Talks
We are pleased to announce, in conjunction with the Historical Society of Princeton, the following talks:
“Princeton The Nation’s Capital 1783” a One Hour talk with many images presented by Barry Singer
The American Revolution shooting war had ended in 1781 and the new American states await word that peace negotiations in Paris will result in a treaty. Because of negotiating delays , Congress has a dilemma. Although there is no money to pay the troops, it cannot disband the army until there is a peace treaty.
In June 1783, Congress, in session in Philadelphia, flees after an Army mutiny (demanding back pay). Congress relocates to Princeton where it remains in session for 4 ½ months. This is the story of the many events that take place, and the people involved, as this small rural college town provides the backdrop for the historic events of that summer and fall.
"Princeton and the American Revolution" a One Hour talk with many images presented by Barry Singer.
Learn about Princeton's fascinating history, and the American Revolutionary War, including the remarkable events of the 10 Crucial Days of Christmas, 1776 through the Battle of Princeton on January 3rd, 1777.
Hear the story, often in the soldiers own words, of the sacrifice, bravery, and perseverance of the Continental soldiers, through unimaginable difficulties, leading to victory and freedom.
“The Battle of Brooklyn” a One Hour talk with many images presented by Barry Singer
The Battle of Brooklyn, the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War, took place just 1 ½ months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and was a crushing defeat for the Continental Army. They fought at the Gowanus Road and Flatbush, and finally at the Continental stronghold at Fort Greene and the other forts at Brooklyn Heights.
The American Revolution could have ended there. But favorable weather allowed George Washington, under the cover of wind and fog, to safely evacuate our 9,500 men.
Out of the ashes of this defeat arose the determination and perseverance of George Washington and the Continental Army. They turned the tide only 4 months later on Christmas 1776, defeating the Hessians at Trenton, and changing the course of history.
“The Ten Crucial Days” a One Hour talk with many images presented by Barry Singer
Starting with the Continental Army's disheartening retreat across New Jersey, learn about the extraordinary events of the "10 Crucial Days" which began with Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware, on Christmas, 1776. Then, the two Battles of Trenton, and finally, the Battle of Princeton on January 3rd, 1777. The Continental Army's bravery, sacrifice, and perseverance through unimaginable difficulties, led to an amazing three victories in 10 days, changing the course of history and enabling the birth of our free nation. Many illustrative images and quotes of the soldiers, themselves, are included.
To view several brief articles of this era, please visit the journal page
Image - Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, MMA-NYC, 1851
The story of the desperate hours at the end of 1776 when the American Revolution seemed lost. Struggling through unimaginable difficulties, the Continental Army crossed the Delaware on Christmas 1776, winning three battles in 10 days, culminating in the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777. These victories changed the course of history and enabled the birth of our free nation.
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